Purdue Polytechnic High School South Bend to Close

The school will transition students to CANOPS network schools starting in 2026.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:55pm

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The board of directors for Purdue Polytechnic High Schools voted to relinquish the charter for their South Bend campus at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The school will transition students and staff to the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS) network starting in the fall of 2026.

Why it matters

The South Bend campus was Purdue Polytechnic's first expansion outside of Indianapolis, and its closure highlights the challenges of scaling up charter school networks, including issues with financial sustainability and community alignment. The transition to CANOPS aims to provide continuity for students and opportunities for staff.

The details

Purdue Polytechnic High School South Bend served over 100 students during its 5 years of operation but struggled to meet financial and enrollment goals. As part of the transition, Purdue Polytechnic and CANOPS signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide priority enrollment and transportation for transferring students. CANOPS will also consider hiring staff from the South Bend campus for open positions in their network.

  • The Purdue Polytechnic High Schools board voted to relinquish the South Bend charter on Wednesday.
  • The South Bend campus will close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
  • Students will transition to CANOPS schools starting in the fall of 2026.

The players

Purdue Polytechnic High Schools

A network of tuition-free public charter high schools in Indiana that focus on competency-based education and workforce readiness.

Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS)

A network of tuition-free public charter schools that also promotes competency-based education and workforce readiness.

Keeanna Warren

CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools.

Jeremy Lugbill

CEO of CANOPS.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to sharpen our focus, strengthen the Purdue Polytechnic High School brand, and position the organization to build upon the knowledge gained through South Bend's pilot experience.”

— Keeanna Warren, CEO, Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (Press release)

“We're grateful for the opportunity to welcome talented educators from Purdue Polytechnic High School to our network. As our student body continues to grow, we're intentionally expanding our team to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.”

— Jeremy Lugbill, CEO, CANOPS (Email to Inside INdiana Business)

What’s next

The transition process will begin ahead of the fall 2026 semester, with CANOPS coordinating credit alignment, grade placement, and academic planning for transferring students. Families will receive direct communication from school leaders with details on enrollment options, timelines, and support services as plans are finalized.

The takeaway

The closure of Purdue Polytechnic's South Bend campus highlights the challenges charter school networks face in scaling up and maintaining financial sustainability, even as they aim to provide innovative, competency-based education models. The transition to CANOPS represents an effort to ensure continuity and support for students and staff during this change.